Murder arrest made in 2009 Beaufort County case

BEAUFORT – A Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office investigation has led to the arrest of a Florida man in connection with the 2009 shooting death of a Seabrook man.

Antonio Eugene Collins, 34, of Miami, was extradited on Wednesday from Miami to the Beaufort County Detention Center on one count of murder, Sgt. Robin McIntosh of the Sheriff’s Department said this afternoon.

Results of DNA evidence collected at the crime scene in the northern Beaufort County community led investigators to charge Collins with the June 22, 2009, murder of 27-year old Ronald Coleman Jr.

On that night, deputies responded to 46 Seabrook Road in reference to a reported gunshot victim. They found Coleman dead in his home, and evidence suggesting he had been in a gun battle. “Witness reports and additional evidence suggested that at least one of his attackers had also been wounded in the exchange,” McIntosh said.

Investigators were able to identify and charge Collins with the shooting after DNA tests matched him to bloodstains found at the scene. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues, she said.

Investigators are still working to identify and charge other suspects believed to be involved in the murder.

“While robbery is considered as a possible motive behind the attack, investigators are still hoping for information from the community that may shed light on the events leading up to and including the incident,” McIntosh said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact either Investigator Sgt. C. Wilson at (843) 255-3409 or the Beaufort County Dispatch Center at (843) 524-2777, she said.

Comments are welcome, so long as they are civil. A Facebook account is required. Abuse may result in the commenter being permanently blocked. Personal attacks are strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to remove any comments at any time.